The Emergence Of The CDC Network

"An estimated 3,000-plus community development corporations (CDCs) are now active across the United States. In the last 15 years, as CDCs have matured, the CDC network has emerged as a political force in several states, regions and metro areas. Networks bring CDCs together to share ideas and learn from each other, and they also give CDCs power by enabling them to flex their collective muscles in the public policy arena. At a time when CDCs’ funding, and their ability to revitalize neighborhoods, is in some doubt, networks have become critical agents of change. As membership organizations, networks build members’ capacity to carry out their particular mission, but they also advocate for and develop policy changes that benefit low-income communities as a whole."